As the hottest days of summer are baking much of the country, charities are grateful for donations of air conditioners, which are not just luxuries. Heat is one of the most dangerous weather conditions in America, according to the National Weather Service, causing hundreds of death each year.

Electric utilities also are assisting by giving portable air conditioners to people in need. For example, Reliant Energy joined the health department in Houston, Texas, to distribute 315 air conditioners for senior citizens earlier this year.

Seniors can contact the local LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) for air conditioning help. The public can donate units by contacting their city or county health department. If you have AC technical experience, you might be able to fix units that are broken and provide relief to someone for the rest of the summer.